Core Area SDC exemption to spur redevelopment
Summary
Council is converging on a five-year exemption from system development charges for adaptive reuse projects in the Core Area, with an ordinance due September 16. It's aimed at filling empty downtown-adjacent buildings, but Councilor Riley warns it could create future infrastructure funding gaps.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 16, 2026.
Impact analysis
The city has collected only about $500,000-$1 million a year in SDCs from tenant improvement projects, so the revenue hit is modest.
Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and property owners redeveloping space in the Core Area.
Future taxpayers could shoulder infrastructure costs if exempted development strains water, sewer, or transportation capacity.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Council Business Meeting - Sep 16, 2026
New five-year exemption from sewer, water and transportation system development charges for eligible non-residential projects in the Core Area to spur economic development.
City Council Work Session - Sep 9, 2026
Council is converging on a five-year exemption from system development charges for adaptive reuse projects in the Core Area, with an ordinance due September 16. It's aimed at filling empty downtown-adjacent buildings, but Councilor Riley warns it could create future infrastructure funding gaps.
City Council Work Session - Jun 24, 2026
Bend's development code, written for greenfield subdivisions, can saddle small infill projects with disproportionate sidewalk, sewer and road costs — sometimes killing projects entirely. Council signaled support for tying requirements to project intensity, a voluntary discretionary pathway, and expanded fee-in-lieu programs.
City Council Business Meeting - Jun 17, 2026
The council adopted the SDC update but directed staff to study a local survey showing half of gym users are already on the road, with a possible 50% trip-count reduction coming in the fall. Appeal fees are waived in the meantime for affected projects.
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